Growth Performance Research Articles

Effects of Inclusion of Gongronema Latifolium Leaf Extract as a Supplementary Source of Vitamins and Minerals on the Growth Performance and Haematology of Broiler Finishers

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract (GLLE) as a supplementary source of vitamins and minerals on growth performance and haematology of broiler finishers. A total of 20 four (4) weeks old broilers were randomly selected and assigned to five treatment groups, namely water (control), water+ vitalyte, water+ 60ml GLLE, water+ 30ml GLLE and water+ 10mIGLLE. Results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in weight gain but there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in Hb, PCV and RBC. The relative weights of gizzard, heart and liver of the broilers fed extract (except 30ml extract) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared with the broilers fed vitalyte. The group fed 30ml extract had the highest weight in gizzard. 30ml GLLE enhanced the growth performance of broilers without any adverse effect on their blood. GLLE can serve as a substitute to the commercially synthetic vitamins and minerals premixes in feeding poultry.

Phosphatidylethanolamine Improves Postnatal Growth Retardation by Regulating Mucus Secretion of Intestinal Goblet Cells in Piglets

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a multifunctional phospholipid, is necessary for neonate development. This study aimed to explore the impact of the regulation of exogenous PE on postnatal growth retardation (PGR) by improving intestinal barrier function. Thirty-two neonatal pigs were divided into four groups according to their body weight (BW 2.79 ± 0.50 kg or 1.88 ± 0.40 kg) at 7 days old, CON-NBW, PE-NBW, CON-PGR, and PE-PGR. PE was supplemented to NBW piglets and PGR piglets during lactation and post-weaning periods. Compared with the NBW piglets, the growth performance of PGR piglets was lower, while PE improved the poor growth performance. PGR piglets showed injured intestinal morphology, as evidenced by the reduced ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) and goblet cell numbers in the jejunum and ileum. PE recovered the intestinal barrier injury by increasing VH/CD and goblet cell numbers. The decreased MUC2 mRNA and protein expressions were observed in the small intestine of PGR piglets, and PE remarkably increased the expression of MUC2. Mechanistically, PE increased the goblet cell differentiation promoting gene spdef mRNA levels and reduced the mRNA expressions involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress in the jejunal and ileal mucosa of PGR piglets. Overall, we found that PE alleviated growth retardation by regulating intestinal health and generalized its application in neonates.

PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBIT BUCKS FED SUPPLEMENTAL LEVELS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of rabbit bucks.  Eighteen bucks were used for the study. They were    assigned to three treatment groups with 6 bucks per treatment, replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design for twenty-eight (28) days. The bucks were allowed one week of acclimatization before the commencement of the study, during which they were fed commercial growers diets and forages. The bucks were fed a formulated ration supplemented with S. cerevisiae at 0.0, 0.3 and 0.6g respectively and were coded T1, T2 and T3 respectively. T1served as control. Growth parameters, haematological indices and serum chemistry were measured in the course of the study. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 21, and means were separated using Duncan of same software. The results revealed that S. cerevisae did not have effect (p>0.05) on the growth parameters in the rabbit bucks. This study revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not have significant effect (p>0.05) in the PCV of bucks in the study as T1, T2 and T3 all had similar (p>0.05) PCV values of 39.00, 39.00 and 41.00% respectively. S. cerevisiae influenced (P<0.05) serum enzymes but did not have significant effect (p>0.05) on total protein, blood urea, ALT creatinine and glucose. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of S. cerevisiae at 0.60% did not have significant effect on growth parameters and most haematological and serum biochemical indices.  

Gut physiology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is influenced more by short-term fasting followed by refeeding than by feeding fishmeal-free diets.

Supplementing a fishmeal-free diet with yeast extract improves rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth performance and modulates the hepatic and intestinal transcriptomic response. These effects are often observed in the long term but are not well documented after short periods of fasting. Fasting for a few days is a common practice in fish farming, especially before handling the fish, such as for short sorting, tank transfers, and vaccinations. In the present study, rainbow trout were subjected to a 4-day fast and then refed, for 8days, a conventional diet containing fishmeal (control diet) or alternative diets composed of terrestrial animal by-products supplemented or not with a yeast extract. During the refeeding period alone, most of the parameters considered did not differ significantly in response to the different feeds. Only the expression of claudin-15 was upregulated in fish fed the yeast-supplemented diet compared to the control diet. Conversely, fasting followed by refeeding significantly influenced most of the parameters analyzed. In the proximal intestine, the surface area of villi significantly increased, and the density of goblet cell tended to decrease during refeeding. Although no distinct plasma immune response or major signs of gut inflammation were observed, some genes involved in the structure, complement pathway, antiviral functions, coagulation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response of the liver and intestine were significantly regulated by refeeding after fasting. These results indicate that short-term fasting, as commonly practiced in fish farming, significantly alters the physiology of the liver and intestine regardless of the composition of the diet.

Preliminary Results on the Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on Growth Performance and Ruminal Microbiota in Fattening Goats

Soybean isoflavones (SIFs), a group of secondary metabolites, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-like activities. Supplementation with SIFs in the diet was reported to promote lactation performance in ruminants. The present study was performed to further decipher the effect of various concentrations of SIFs on growth and slaughter performance, serum parameters, meat quality, and ruminal microbiota in fattening goats. After a two-week acclimation, a total of 27 5-month-old Guanzhong male goats (18.29 ± 0.44 kg) were randomly assigned to control (NC), 100 mg/d SIF (SIF1), or 200 mg/d SIF (SIF2) groups. The experimental period lasted 56 days. The weight of the large intestine was greater (p < 0.05) in the SIF1 and SIF2 groups compared with the NC group. Meat quality parameters indicated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) cooking loss and shear force (0.05 < p < 0.10). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) proportions of Papillibacter and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 but greater (p < 0.05) CAG-352 abundance in the rumen; these responses might have contributed to the improvement in production performance. In conclusion, meat quality and ruminal microbiome could be manipulated in a positive way by oral supplementation with 100 mg/d of SIFs in fattening goats. Thus, this study provides new insights and practical evidence for the introduction of SIFs as a novel additive in goat husbandry.

Unlocking the growth potential: harnessing the power of synbiotics to enhance cultivation of Pleurotus spp.

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is one of the most widely cultivated mushroom species globally. The present study investigated the effect of synbiotics on the growth and quality of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. Different synbiotics formulations were applied by spraying mushroom samples daily and measuring their growth parameters, yield, biological efficiency, proximate composition, mineral content, total phenolic content (TPC), and diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Results demonstrated that the most significant yield of oyster mushrooms was harvested from synbiotics sprayed with inulin and Lactobacillus casei (56.92 g). Likewise, the highest biological efficiency obtained with a similar synbiotic was 12.65%. Combining inulin and L. casei was the most effective method of improving the mushrooms' growth performance and nutrient content in both samples. Furthermore, synbiotics that combined inulin and L. casei resulted in the highest TPC (20.550 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract (DE)) in white oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus). In comparison, in grey mushroom (P. pulmonarius) the highest TPC was yielded by L. casei (1.098 mg GAE/g DE) followed by inulin and L. casei (1.079 mg GAE/g DE). The DPPH results indicated that the oyster mushroom could be an efficient antioxidant. The results revealed that applying synbiotics improved the mushrooms' quality by increasing their antioxidant capacity with higher amounts of phenolic compounds and offering better health benefits with the increased levels of mineral elements. Together, these studies demonstrated the potential of using synbiotics as a biofertilizer, which is helpful for mushroom cultivation; therefore, it might solve the challenge of inconsistent quality mushroom growers face.

Xylanase Supplement Enhances the Growth Performance of Broiler by Modulating Serum Metabolism, Intestinal Health, Short-Chain Fatty Acid Composition, and Microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of xylanase supplementation in a wheat-based diet on growth performance, short-chain fatty acids, intestinal health, microbial composition, and serum metabolism. A total of 1200 male chicks were randomly assigned to four wheat-based diet treatments: Group C (adding 0 mg/kg of xylanase), Group L (adding 50 mg/kg of xylanase), Group M (adding 100 mg/kg of xylanase), and Group H (adding 150 mg/kg of xylanase). The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results indicated that Group H broilers experienced a decreased feed-to-gain ratio throughout the study period. Additionally, dietary supplementation with xylanase led to an increase in the physical barrier, as indicated by increased VH and VH/CD in the gut (p < 0.05). Furthermore, levels of D-lactic acid and endotoxin were reduced. Xylanase supplementation also increased the abundance of Muc-2, ZO-1, and Occludin (p < 0.05). Moreover, xylanase supplementation enhanced the activity of sucrase and maltase in the duodenum (p < 0.05), which may be attributable to the upregulation of the abundance of SI and MGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, xylanase addition promoted propionic acid produced by specific bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium, and influenced the microbial composition to some extent, promoting intestinal health. Additionally, 150 mg/kg of xylanase supplementation increased the amino acid, peptide, and carbohydrate content and upregulated the metabolism of amino acids related to histidine, cysteine, methionine, and other pathways (p < 0.05). These findings suggest adequate xylanase supplementation can enhance nutritional digestibility and absorption, improve growth performance, stimulate endogenous enzyme activity, optimize intestinal morphology and barrier function, and positively influence acid-producing bacteria and amino acid metabolic pathways.

Replacement of fishmeal by fermented spent coffee ground: Effects on growth performance, feed stability, blood biochemistry, liver, and intestinal morphology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

There has been a consistent interest in the aquaculture industry in the use of plant elements as a substitute for fish meal (FM). The present study aimed to examine the impact of substituting FM with varying proportions of fermented spent coffee grounds (FCG) on the growth performance, feed stability, blood biochemistry, liver, and intestinal histology of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Five isonitrogenous diets were formulated with a crude protein content of 32 %. These diets were created with different percentages of FM replacement, specifically 0 % (T1), 10 % (T2), 20 % (T3), 40 % (T4), and 80 % (T5). The fish were then fed these diets for a duration of 70 days. The results showed that fish provided with 10 % FCG (T2) gave the highest improvement (p < 0.05) in growth conditions compared with other treatments. The feed’s physical properties were varying, but floatability and water stability were highest in T2 diets. Total bacteria (TB) in feed and intestine were more elevated in fish fed with 10 % FCG compared to other treatments. The histopathological damage in the intestine and liver morphology was observed when the level of inclusion of FCG was increased in all treatments. In addition, T2 gave the highest value (p < 0.05) in villus length, width, and crypt depth. Some parameters were improved in both blood haematology and blood biochemical parameters, and T2 gave the highest value (p < 0.05) in white blood cells, lymphocytosis, monocytes, red blood cells, haemoglobin, albumin, globulin, total protein, and creatine. In summary, the substitution of 10 % FCG with FM holds potential for application within the aquafeed sector, as it has been observed to contribute to enhanced growth and improved health conditions in African catfish and other freshwater species.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.

Long-term exposure of endangered Danube sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) to bisphenol A (BPA): growth, behavioral, histological, genotoxic, and hematological evaluation.

Danube sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) which is identified as endangered species can be exposed to pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA) that have a disruptive effect on the endocrine system at any time. Starting from this motivation, the current study focused on BPA toxicity in A. gueldenstaedtii juvenile individuals and its adverse effects in sub-lethal concentration. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of BPA was 5.03mg/L in 96th hour. In the chronic period, 0.625mg/L and 1.25mg/L BPA concentrations were evaluated based on the result of acute study. Accordingly, growth performance was significantly decreased in BPA groups (1.25mg/L BPA group was significantly lowest) compared to control (p < 0.05). In the acute period, behavioral disorders were standing at the bottom/corner of tank, slowing and stopping of gill movement, decreased response to stimuli, and death, respectively. While vacuolization was severe in the liver tissue of the fish in the acute period, intense necrosis and melanomacrophage centers were observed in the chronic period. In terms of genotoxicity, longer DNA migration was observed in all groups exposed to BPA than in the control group. In addition, lower erythrocyte and hemoglobin were observed in the BPA groups compared to control. As a result, the current study revealed toxic effect of BPA on A. gueldenstaedtii juvenile individuals and its negative results on fish physiology.

Effects of Cattle Breeds and Dietary Energy Density on Intake, Growth, Carcass, and Meat Quality under Thai Feedlot Management System

This study determines the effects of varying dietary metabolizable energy densities on Holstein Friesian and Charolais crossbred beef cattle in fattening phases. The research focuses on nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Thirty-six steers were used in the feeding trial that lasted for six months according to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (Factor A, cattle breeds (Holstein Frisian, Charolais crossbred); B, metabolizable energy density (10.5, 11.1 and 11.8 MJ/kg DM)) with six replications. The dietary energy density had no interaction with the cattle breeds (p &gt; 0.05). Despite fewer carcass yields, Holstein Friesian crossbreds indicate superior eating quality to Charolais crossbreds on drip loss, meat iron content, and Warner–Bratzler shear force due to increased intramuscular fat content (p &lt; 0.05) with similar meat color (p &gt; 0.05). Increased dietary energy density positively impacts nutrient and energy intake and rumen fermentation (p &lt; 0.05) but did not affect growth and carcass traits (p &gt; 0.05). This research suggests the potential of Holstein Friesian crossbreds for intensive beef production, providing valuable insights into optimal feeding strategies for achieving quality meat outcomes. On-farm feeding trials are needed to develop a practical and economical Thai beef feedlot management system

Influence of dietary Salicornia europaea L. extract supplementation on feed efficiency of Altay sheep by modifying their gastrointestinal bacteria communities

This experiment aimed to examine the impact of Salicornia europaea L. extract on sheep growth performance, rumen fermentation variables, nutrient apparent digestibility, and gastrointestinal microbial diversity. Forty-eight male Altay sheep, weighing 32.5 ± 2.8 kg and approximately 3.5 months old, were chosen. Four dietary treatments, each consisting of four replicates and three sheep per replicate, were distributed randomly to the sheep. The pelleted total mixed ration containing Salicornia europaea L. extract at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% DM was freely available to the sheep in the four treatment groups. The 56-day experiment consisted of 45 days of measurements followed by 11 days of adaptation. The growth performance was not affected by nutrition Salicornia europaea L. extract (p ≤ 0.05), but the feed-to-gain ratio was reduced when the extract was given at 0.4% DM (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to the 0 and 0.2% treatments, the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF was substantially greater in the 0.4, and 0.6% treatments. Furthermore, compared to sheep in the 0 and 0.2% groups, sheep in the 0.6% group had a noticeably higher apparent digestibility of CP. As the amount of Salicornia europaea L. extract added to the rumen fluid rose, the molar ratio of acetic acid increased. In contrast, the molar ratio of propionic acid gradually decreased, and the total volatile fatty acid content gradually reduced. Thus, adding a suitable quantity of Salicornia europaea L. extract to the sheep ration is natural and secure, which may improve the environmental sustainability of small ruminant production systems.

Global growth phase response of the gut bacterium Phocaeicola vulgatus (phylum Bacteroidota).

Phocaeicola vulgatus belongs to the intestinal microbiome, where it fermentatively breaks down of food-derived biopolymers , thereby, contributing to the gut metabolome. Moreover, due to its product range, P. vulgatus is a potential nonstandard platform organism for sustainable production of basic organic chemicals. Complementing a recent physiologic-proteomic report deciphering the strain's versatile fermentation network [1], the present study focuses on the global growth phase-dependent response. P. vulgatus was anaerobically cultivated with glucose in process-controlled bioreactors. Close sampling was conducted to measure growth parameters (OD, CDW, ATP content, substrate/product profiles) to determine growth stoichiometry. A coarser sampling (½ODmax, ODmax, and ODstat) served the molecular analysis of the global growth phase-dependent response, applying proteomics (soluble and membrane fractions, nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS) and targeted/untargeted metabolome analyses. The determined growth performance of features 1.74 h doubling time, 0.06 gCDW/mmolGlc biomass yield, 0.36 (succinate) and 0.61 (acetate) mmolP/mmolGlc as predominant fermentation product yields, and 0.43 mmolATP/mmolC as theoretically calculated ATP yield. The fermentation pathway displayed growth phase-dependent dynamics: the levels of proteins and their accompanying metabolites constituting the upper part of glycolysis peaked at ½ODmax, whereas those of the lower part of glycolysis and of the fermentation routes in particular towards predominant acetate and succinate were highest at ODmax and ODstat. While identified proteins of monomer biosynthesis displayed rather unspecific profiles, most of the intracellular amino acids peaked at ODmax. By contrast, proteins and metabolites related to stress response and quorum sensing showed increased abundances at ODmax and ODstat. The composition of the exometabolome expanded from 2,317 molecular formulas at ½ODmax via 4,258 at ODmax to 4,501 at ODstat, with growth phase-specific subsets increasing in parallel. The present study provides insights into the distinct growth phase-dependent behavior of P. vulgatus during cultivation in bioreactors. This could serve as a valuable knowledge base for further developing P. vulgatus as a non-conventional platform organism for biotechnological applications. In addition, the findings shed new light on the potential growth phase-dependent imprints of P. vulgatus on the gut microbiome environment, e.g. by indicating interactions via quorum sensing and by unraveling the complex exometabolic background against which fermentation products and secondary metabolites are formed.

Influence of Silicon Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant, Hormonal Profile and Bone Health Biomarkers in Pre-ruminant Crossbred Calves.

Silicon (Si), a newer trace element, is believed to be important for healthy bone formation and to decrease bone resorption, improving the quality of bone by manipulating several hormones and enzymes. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to determine the impact of Si supplementation on growth, immunity, antioxidant, hormonal profile and biomarkers of bone health in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four crossbred calves (5-7 days) were selected on the basis of their body weight (BW 31.65 ± 0.46 kg) and divided into 4 groups (n = 6) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0 (Si0), 50 (Si50), 100 (Si100) and 150 (Si150) mg of Si/kg dry matter (DM) in four respective groups for 90 days. Every month, peripheral blood samples were drawn (0, 30, 60 and 90 days post supplementing with Si) and analysed for antioxidant status, hormonal profile and bone health biomarkers. It is reported that dietary Si supplementation improved (P < 0.05) net body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g) and average dry matter intake (kg), whereas feed intake (kg/100 kg BW), was not altered due to Si supplementation. Structural growth measurements were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Si100 and Si150 groups as compared to Si50 and control groups. However, immune response (humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity), erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, GPx and catalase), plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity and the plasma concentration of total immunoglobulins (TIg) remained unaffected by Si supplementation. Silicon increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma growth hormone (GH), vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in Si100 and Si150 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hydroxyproline (HYP) remained similar among all the groups. As a result of the current investigation, it can be inferred that the inclusion of 100 and 150 mg of Si/kg DM was effective in improving the growth performance, growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre-ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 mg of Si/kg DM had no additional benefit; therefore 100 mg of Si/kg DM is the optimum level of Si supplementation in pre-ruminant calves.

Effects of Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diets on the growth performance, nitrogen excretion, fecal microbiota and metabolomic profiles of finishing pigs

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet on the growth performance, nitrogen balance, fecal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of finishing pigs. A total of 90 finishing pigs were assigned to one of three dietary treatments including a normal protein diet (CON) as well as two experimental diets in which a low-protein diet supplemented with 0 (LP) or 1% Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein feed (FLP). In comparison with CON, the LP and FLP significantly increased average daily gain (P = 0.044), significantly decreased feed to gain ratio (P = 0.021), fecal nitrogen (P < 0.01), urine nitrogen (P < 0.01), and total nitrogen (P < 0.01), respectively. The LP group exhibited increased abundances of unclassified_f_Selenomonadaceae, Coprococcus, Faecalibacterium, and Butyricicoccus, while the abundances of Verrucomicrobiae, Verrucomicrobiales, Akkermansiaceae, and Akkermansia were enriched in the FLP group. Low-protein diet-induced metabolic changes were enriched in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein feed-induced metabolic changes were enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and arginine biosynthesis. Overall, low-protein diet and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet improved the growth performance and reduce nitrogen excretion, possibly via altering the fecal microbiota and metabolites in the finishing pigs. The present study provides novel ideas regarding the application of the low-protein diet and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet in swine production.

Effect of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract on the growth performance, haematological, antioxidativeand immune responses of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles.

The effects of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract (LBLE) on the growth performance, feed utilisationand haematological parameters of juveniles African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (mean = 8.45 ± 0.6 g) raised in a flow water (mean temperature 26.7°C, mean pH 7.52, mean dissolved oxygen 6.05 mg/L) were assessed in this study. Diets (400 g/kg crude protein; 4631.5 kcal/kg gross energy) supplemented with LBLE at levels of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5or 2.0 g/kg diet were served to fish in triplicates (each replicate has 20 fish) until they appeared satiated for 12 weeks. Then, they were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila infection for further 2weeks. Fish served dietary LBLE had considerable higher weight gain (64.76 g) and specific growth rate (765.5% g/day) than the fish group fed with the control diet with a reduced feed conversion ratio (1.45) (p < 0.05). Compared to fish fed with the control diet, the villi height (146.30 µm) and width (284.35 µm) of the intestines increased greatly in a dose (LBLE in diets) dependent order. Similarly, dietary LBLE increased (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume (46.11%) and haemoglobin (17.03 g/dL), whereas 1.5 g of LBLE increased the counts of white blood cells. Glutathione S-transferase (769.43 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (84.14 U/mg protein)and superoxide dismutase (433.15 U/mg protein) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed with diets supplemented with LBLE compared to the control one. Additionally, dietary LBLE increased phagocytic and lysozyme activities and protected C. gariepinus against bacterial infections where the lowest death was observed in the fish fed on the diet containing 1.5 g LBLE/kg feed. These findings showed that the fish fed with LBLE/kg diet improved their immune system, antioxidantand growth performance in addition to providing protection from A. hydrophila infection with the optimum dose of 1.80 g/kg diet.

Synergic Effects of Carica papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, Sensory Attributes, and Profitability in Broiler Production

Poultry production sustainability requires innovative dietary supplements to improve performance while addressing environmental concerns. This research investigates the effects of supplementing broiler chicken diets with Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on various growth parameters, carcass traits, sensory attributes, and profitability. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was employed, evaluating two factors: CPL dietary supplementation at 10% and FFW water supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each treatment combination was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, totaling 160-day-old broilers. Results indicated that while CPL negatively influenced final body weight and weight gain, FFW positively impacted feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Additionally, FFW supplementation led to significant increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control, with notable interactions observed between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW affected the weights of edible visceral organs. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in meat quality attributes across treatments. Despite increased production costs, supplementation with CPL and FFW resulted in higher dressed weights and profitability, with the highest return on investment achieved by broilers receiving the standard diet plus 15% FFW supplementation. These findings suggest that optimized utilization of CPL and FFW at 10% and 15% respectively, presents an economically viable strategy for enhancing broiler growth, carcass quality, and profitability while leveraging nutritional benefits and reducing environmental waste.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) morpho-physiological and yield responses to chemical, organic, and biofertilizers at various watering levels utilizing drip irrigation system

ABSTRACT The infertility of sandy soil hampers the growth of many crops. Typically, chemical fertilizers are used to handle this issue, but they are expensive and have deleterious implications on the ecosystem. A two-year field investigation was carried out on cowpea cultivated in sandy soil to assess the effects of different watering levels (70, 80, 90, and 100% of the actual irrigation requirements), chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and biofertilizer (Bradyrhizobium sp.), and their combinations on the morpho-physiological traits and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, cv. Giza 18). Overall, the findings showed that cowpea osmoregulatory molecules (sugars, proteins, and proline) demonstrated greater accumulation, with the content depending on the watering level. The applied fertilizers demonstrated improved cowpea performance at the regular watering level, with chopped potato tops outperforming other fertilizer formulations. Furthermore, the combination of water stress treatments and fertilizer formulations was impactful in relieving the detrimental consequences of water stress as it enhanced plant growth performance, production efficiency, metabolic homeostasis, nutritional value, and mineral ions composition. Subsequently, our results demonstrated agro-wastes, particularly chopped potato tops, could be an effective substitute for chemical fertilizers in sandy soils to sustainably increase soil fertility as well as cowpea yield performance.

Addition of Butyric Acid and Lauric Acid Glycerides in Nursery Pig Feed to Replace Conventional Growth Promoters

(1) Background: This study determined whether adding butyric acid and lauric acid glycerides in nursing pigs’ feed would improve growth performance, proteinogram, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. (2) Methods: Ninety male pigs were divided into five groups with six repetitions per group: NC, negative control (no additive); TRI-BUT, addition of tributyrin in the basal ration; MDT-BUT, addition of mono-, di-, and triglycerides of butyric acid in the basal feed; MDT-LAU, the addition of mono-, di-, and triglycerides of lauric acid in the basal feed; and PC, positive control (addition of gentamicin in the basal feed). (3) Results: PC, TRI-BUT, and MDT-LAU resulted in a high average daily WG from days 1 to 39 (p &lt; 0.01). MDT-LAU, MDT-BUT, and PC resulted in a greater feed:gain from days 1 to 39 than the NC (p = 0.03). Great concentrations of the gamma globulin fraction in all groups were observed than in the NC (p = 0.01). Ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein concentrations were lower in all groups than in the NC (p &lt; 0.05). Higher serum glutathione S-transferase activity was observed in the TRI-BUT and MDT-BUT than in the PC (p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: The addition of butyric acid and lauric acid glycerides in the diet of pigs in the nursery phase can replace growth promoters since the products improve the growth performance, reduce acute-phase proteins, and increase gamma globulin concentrations.

Co-cultured of red hybrid tilapia and Gracilaria changii (Gracilariaceae: Rhodophyta): Effects on water quality, growth performance and algal density

ABSTRACT We evaluated the potential for co-cultured of red hybrid tilapia with Gracilaria changii in two different densities in zero water exchange conditions. Five treatments were performed, consisting of three monoculture systems as controls: algae at two different densities (M1 and M2 with 1 g L−1 density and 3 g L−1 density, respectively) and fish without algae (Mfish). For comparison purposes, the other two treatments were co-cultured fish with algae at densities of 1 g L−1 (P1) and 3 g L−1 (P2). The effects of different culture systems and densities on the water quality, growth performance, nutrient content and C/N ratio of the algae were determined. During the experimental period, the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH values in the algal tanks (monoculture and co-culture) were significantly higher than those in the Mfish tank. The ammonia and nitrate concentrations in P1 and P2 were significantly lower compared to initial measurements. The water parameters indicated that the algae improved the water quality of the culture system. Compared to the fish monoculture (Mfish), the fish grew better with algae (P1 and P2) maybe due to the more favourable water conditions in the tanks. On day 20, the algae growth rates in the co-culture tanks (P1 and P2) were significantly higher than those in the monoculture tanks. Additionally, P1 and P2 improved the nutrient composition and C/N ratio of the algae. This study found that although the co-culture system resulted in better water quality and nutrient content in the alga, the algal density had no significant effect on fish or algal growth.